Around one third of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, only half of whom have their high blood pressure under control. New research, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension, identifies magnesium as a potential remedy. A healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains could lower blood pressure. With high blood pressure affecting around 70 million people in the U.S. and increasing the risk of two of the leading causes of death for Americans – heart disease and stroke – preventing or controlling blood pressure is an essential healthcare objective. Labeled the “silent killer,” due to often having no warning signs or symptoms, high blood pressure is a common and often…

A small pilot study of older people suggests that taking a daily supplement of a nutrient that is present naturally in foods may improve artery health and blood pressure. A certain type of supplement may promote healthy arterial aging and reduced blood pressure. The researchers, at the University of Colorado Boulder, found that the supplement — called nicotinamide riboside — mimics some of the effects of caloric restriction and activates several identical biological pathways. Studies of caloric restriction — which have been done mainly in rodents and fruit flies and not so much in humans — indicate that reducing daily calorie intake by a third may delay the aging process…

A new study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, investigated the long-term impact of red meat consumption on kidney health. Their findings justify the current caution suggested in regard to red meat and organ health. Research investigates the effects of red meat on kidney health. Red meat, such as beef, lamb, and pork, can be included as part of a healthy diet. But, as with many dietary components, it is best to limit the amount consumed. For instance, the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend eating no more than 18 ounces of red meat per week because of its links with certain cancers, including stomach cancer. A study, published in JAMA in 2012,…

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide, and its prevalence is predicted to increase in the next few years. Cancer prevention strategies include making healthy lifestyle choices and getting tested if at risk. New research suggests that a small dose of aspirin may help prevent the formation of cancer cells and explains how. New research explains how ‘baby’ aspirin may help to prevent cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the globe, accounting for 8.2 million deaths in 2012. In terms of prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices, such as avoiding tobacco…

When Dolly Parton sang of working 9 to 5, she expressed concern for people barely getting by with a hard life of routine that only seems to benefit the boss. But what about all those people working less conventional hours, including night shifts? Shouldn’t Ms. Parton be just as concerned about their welfare? Shift workers, such as doctors, flight attendants, bartenders and police officers, have been found to be at a greater risk of certain chronic diseases. Shift work has its own demands that set it apart from jobs with traditional working hours. Shift work has its benefits; it can be more convenient from a child care perspective, is sometimes…

More than 2.3 million people across the globe are living with multiple sclerosis. At present, there is no cure for the condition. However, researchers believe they are close to uncovering one: a stem cell treatment already used for some cancers has enabled wheelchair-bound patients with multiple sclerosis to walk again. Worldwide, more than 2.3 million people have MS. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is believed to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In detail, the immune system attacks myelin – the protective coating surrounding nerve fibers – as well as the nerve…

An implantable artificial kidney could transform prospects for people whose kidneys have failed and who have to rely on dialysis or the rare chance of a transplant to stay alive. Now, researchers working on the first-of-its-kind device that aims to meet this need says they are hopeful of running pilot trials in humans within the year. The researchers plan to start pilot trials of the microchip filter in dialysis patients by the end of 2017. Image credit: Vanderbilt University Kidneys are amazing instruments that work 24/7 to clean blood and dispose of waste. Every day, these bean-shaped, fist-sized organs that sit either side of spine just under the rib cage…

You may have taken ibuprofen today, be it to ease a headache or alleviate back pain. But there might be more to this common medication than pain relief; a new paper suggests that a daily dose of ibuprofen could prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say that ibuprofen could ward off Alzheimer’s if taken every day. Led by Dr. Patrick McGeer, who is the CEO of Aurin Biotech in Canada, the study describes how ibuprofen could reduce inflammation caused by an Alzheimer’s-related peptide. The paper was recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is estimated that around 5.7 million adults in the United States are living with the disease. This…